Boy you sure created a shitstorm with this thread - however, it's needed. The UT is experiencing growing pains as well as many of it's members.

You know John, I learned a long time ago that it's in everybody's best interest to financially support worthwhile endevours. Part of this requires putting aside envy, resentment, and other loser mentalities and to wish success for those busting their asses.

Since the mid-80s, I have contributed $$$ to sysops operating obscure BBS systems out of their garages. Why? Because somehow I just knew that this was going to be big someday. I used to setup BBSs using the, then popular, TBBS/TDBS or WildCat systems. In fact, MS used to run a TBBS system for technical support.

Why am I saying all of this? Well, a few months ago, Phil Becker (the guy who fathered TBBS/TDBS) took his company, eSoft, public and just this week Intel invested in it. I used to do business with Phil and I am extremely happy that he has made it BIG. I am grateful to have contributed to his eventual success.

I wish the same success for the UT or anyone who has enough balls to go out there and get it.

As such, I disagree with you concerning the free membership issue. Everyone should pay a fee. The fee can be nominal (e.g. $20), but everyone shoulds get off their cheap asses and pay it and MAYBE ONE DAY THEY WILL HAVE A $$$ MAKING VENTURE THEMSELVES! God forbid - I would not want a weak, sniveling customer base like this!!!


>Quick point...
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>>I may put up with it, but not quietly. Why should I/we just let it go if it bothers? I mean, we're all here to help each other. Do we really need to alienate the environment and build up the animosity?. I got in after some pretty unwarranted, harsh remarks of JVP towards Nick N. Isn't the personality the issue here?
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>Nick N's. comments were also unwarrented. Pretty socio-political stuff. Are we not supposed to shy away from that sort of talk..???
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>>I'm sure he's OK, I just don't know how much damage is being done with this controversial threads.
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>Actually ,I think I am an OK person... In terms of damage, once again, let me say this;
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>I THINK ALL ACCESS SHOULD BE FREE!!! FUND THE UT THROUGH AD BANNERS!!!!
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>OK????? I think my suggestion of all folks paying money to be here was the big problem. Well, I have backed off that stance.
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>My principal issue deals with how Michel and the rest of the UT management are dealing with these performance problems. Sticking the PUTM with the bill for some future improvements is flat out wrong... I am not sure what is wrong with me saying that??? Will somebody please tell me what the problem is???